Cool off with the Classics . . . a blogathon consisting of a top 10 list of some classic black and white films. It didn’t really take very long for a few of the films to come straight to my mind for this list. I am not going to put them in any particular order, but 10 films are included.
Marc from Go, See, Talk has done it again with another fantastic blogathon and you can see the original post linked to everyone else’s posts here.
While some films came straight to my mind, I actually found it quite difficult to get to ten films without ending up with mainly Mae West and Marx Brothers films in the list. This has made me realise that I have a lot of films that I must watch!
After making the list I got to thinking about how all of the films I have chosen have so many quotes that are still repeated and loved today. Is that due to the black and white look of the films or just how times have changed? Also performance wise just seems to be so much better than a lot of the current day films.
Casablanca (1942)
One of my all time favorite films, it makes me smile and makes me cry all at the same time. I really do think it is just fantastic. Here’s looking at you kid . . . so heartbreaking.
The Apartment (1960)
A film which I only watched for the first time a few months ago and then was left wondering why I had not seen this black and white beauty of a film before. Really a fantastic watch!
I’m No Angel (1933)
A film with two actors in I adore, for very different reasons. Cary Grant and Mae West just an incredible film with the woman who was so head of her time and eats a very young Grant alive in this classic film.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
A film which goes from being the most depressing thing you have ever watched to the most heartwarming film you have ever watched. We cannot help but to love George Bailey and want everything to work out for him. I think this film has a version in colour, but I don’t ever want to watch that I love the black and white it really adds to it.
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Gregory Peck in one of the best on screen performances ever, lights up the screen and does not need colour to do so. Not only is it a story about racial prejudice it is about children growing up and understanding the world. I hold this one close to me as read the book whilst at school.
Duck Soup (1933)
Possibly the greatest Marx Brother’s film, but let’s face it they are all pretty good. Duck Soup has some brilliant one liners and exchanges. We have to love Groucho and his mustache which just wouldn’t have worked in colour, black and white all the way!
A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)
Another film I came across whilst studying for my A Level’s and reading the play but also watching the film to give us the visual. It really could not have been better Leigh and Brandon in the same film really is an incredible match up!
All About Eve (1950)
The ultimate woman show down and it really does not disappoint! Incredible from start to finish!
My Little Chickadee (1940)
I couldn’t resist having another Mae West film in my list this time with W C Fields, the exchange between them at the end when they have each others well-known lines really is the best.
A Day at the Races (1937)
The craziness of the brothers is just brilliant in a day at the races. They make us laugh throughout and give us even more memorable quotes.
Let's Go To The Movies 
interesting list. you know i not sure if ive seen any mae west films. sorry!
i must say i have never gotten on the its a wonderful life band wagon either. billy wilder is more my cuppa, intriguing choice of the apartment. i love it but its also quite sad.
did you wish that other movies were actually in black and white? for some reason i kept wanting to pick cabaret for this list. it must be something to do with the period it’s set in or something.
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I felt the main problem with my list is that the films were all pretty mainstream and well known. You really should see Mae West in action, I adore her!
The main film I kept that about was Gone with the Wind with it being an old classic film, but obviously it’s in colour lol. Although I can’t quite imagine it in black and white. Cabaret would work very well in black and white I reckon, as it’s not a very bright musical very dark!
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gone with the wind! it is THE classic film and in colour. strange how that works.
we both made completely different lists and both thought they were filled with mainstream and obvious choices. something to do with the way we think about movies or more to do with the sheer volume of great films to choose from?
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Funny with Gone with the Wind isn’t it! Yeah that was funny, mine maybe because I haven’t seen that many black and white films so thought they were common ones lol
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Casablanca is just as good as its reputation claims. One of my all-time favourites. Good call on Duck Soup. The Marz Brothers were brilliant. If you like great comedy, check up Bringing Up Baby from 1938.
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Yeah I love the Marx Brothers so funny and brilliant at the same time. I am sure Bringing Up Baby is on my LOVEFiLM list!
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I love All About Eve. I just love the tete-a-tete between Margo and Eve. Also, George Sanders is so deliciously smarmy in it.
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I think The Apartment and 12 Angry Men vie for the top spot in my list of favourite all time movies. They are both such stunning films – so brilliantly executed and so re-watchable. Great choices Caz!
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And high points to Caz for putting Casablanca in the top spot:) I’ve seen absolutely zero Mae West films but one with her and Cary Grant makes that my first homework assignemnt. Thanks for the recommendation and thanks a bunch for being part of this!!
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Really enjoyed being part of this, and I am pleased to see a Mae West film will be watched by you! She really does own the screen and is so before her time it’s quite unreal. Must have been so shocking back then!
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